Teofimo Lopez’s Cryptic ‘Okay’ to Shakur Stevenson’s Call Out: Will The Fight Happen?

Teofimo Lopez appears to have agreed to a fight against Shakur Stevenson. In a cryptic post on social media, WBO light welterweight champion Lopez responded to Stevenson’s urging to send the “paperwork’ by saying, “okay.” He tagged J. Prince and Drake, which could be interpreted to mean that he’s serious.

(Credit: Matchroom)

Ignore the Doublespeak

Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) called out Lopez on Friday, using the phrase, “Let’s make boxing great again.” That can be decoded to mean, ‘I’m looking to get a big payday, and you’re my best option.’

Despite the “let’s make boxing great” stuff, Stevenson hasn’t shown much interest in defending against his #1 challenger, Andy Cruz, or #3 Jadier Herrera. Those fights won’t bring him the kind of money that he can get fighting Teofimo. That’s why you can ignore: “Let’s make boxing great again” doublespeak.

If it were really about making the sport “great,” Stevenson would face the 2020 Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz. He’s seen as the #1 guy in the lightweight division now by many fans.

Fans are naturally skeptical about Teofimo’s seriousness toward fighting Shakur. Teo already rejected what would have been a massive payday against Devin Haney recently. To turn down that fight, it shows that Lopez isn’t desperate for money. He got a huge $10 million purse for his last fight against Arnold Barboza Jr. on May 2nd. So, he’s not in a position where he needs to fight Shakur and chase him around the ring for 12 rounds.

Luring Teofimo

Turki Alalshikh might be able to lure Teofimo to take the fight against Stevenson with a big offer, but it would have to be substantial for him to want to go through the ordeal of a Tom and Jerry fight.

Stevenson fought with his back against the ropes for his entire fight against William Zepeda on July 12. However, that was against a volume puncher with nowhere near the power or hand speed that Teofimo possesses. Against Teo, Shakur will undergo a reset, reverting to his normal Jerry-esque style.